New York: Representative of the GCC countries at the United Nations called for an end to the Israeli occupation blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the GCC's firm and supportive position on Palestinian rights.
According to Kuwait News Agency, this appeal was made by Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai, speaking on behalf of the GCC countries. The speech was delivered during the resumption of the tenth emergency special session of the UN General Assembly, which addressed the illegal Israeli occupation actions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Al-Banai highlighted the necessity for the international community to take decisive action and fulfill its obligations to halt these practices and preserve regional security and stability in line with international law. He condemned the occupation's aggression on the Gaza Strip, including the targeting and displacement of Palestinian civilians and the ongoing blockade.
He reiterated the GCC's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and endorsed the UN's humanitarian aid distribution mechanism. Al-Banai also stressed the importance of holding the occupying entity accountable for its continuous violations and advocated for the protection of humanitarian workers while rejecting any attempts to undermine UNRWA's mandate.
The ambassador acknowledged the efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, secure the release of prisoners, and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additionally, he discussed the high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, and encouraged all member states to participate and recognize the Palestinian state.
Al-Banai concluded by calling for the immediate end of the Israeli occupation, which has persisted since 1967, and urged the cessation of arbitrary measures against Palestinians in their occupied land. He also demanded the return of property to its rightful owners and the denial of legitimacy to Israeli settlements.